On the Tuesday of Holy Week, Jesus is confronted about everything he’s been doing; long story short, Jesus’ authority doesn’t sit well with the authorities of the day. This brings us to Matthew 21:23-27, where we see a controversial confrontation between Jesus and the religious leaders. They literally interrupt him while He’s teaching to ask Him, “By what authority are you doing these things? And who gave you this authority?”

This is purely speculation, but I think if the religious leaders in Jesus’ day could use one word to describe Him, I think it would be powerful. That’s why they had to get rid of Him; He was a threat to the powers and authorities of that day.

I have to wonder how many people would use the word “powerful” to describe Christians today. But as I look at the way Jesus lived, died, and rose again, I can’t help but think: if we are to be anything as Christians, it should be people of divine power. And as I think about this, I’m continually reminded of Ephesians 1:19-20: the same power raised Jesus Christ from the dead lives in you. Yes, you. If a Christian is to be anything, it should be a person of divine power.

You may not feel powerful. You may feel weak and powerless. But Ephesians 1:19-20 still stands, regardless of how you feel: the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is alive inside your chest.

Today, take some time to reflect on the power and authority with which Jesus lived, died, and rose again. Do our lives reflect the incredible power and authority we have as Christians? If they don’t, maybe we should ask ourselves: are our lives reflecting the life of Christ? Once we start teaching, speaking, loving, living with the power given to us as Christians, I truly believe that Jesus will be able to teach, speak, love, and live through us in ways we never thought possible.